Basic Training

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Summary

The journey of discipleship begins with a free invitation extended by Jesus, much like His calling of Peter, James, and John, ordinary fishermen, to follow Him. This invitation is not based on any prior merit or qualification of the individual but is purely an act of God’s grace. Accepting Jesus as Lord through belief and experiencing His forgiveness is the initial step in becoming a Christian. However, it is crucial to understand that simply saying “yes” to Jesus does not automatically equate to being a disciple. Discipleship is an active and ongoing process that commences after this initial belief. The scriptures do not support a distinction where one can follow Jesus without being a disciple; the terms are synonymous. Discipleship is not a stage to be completed or graduated from but rather a continuous path of growth and deepening understanding, where one progressively embodies the character and mission of Christ. There will never be a point in a disciple’s life where they can claim to have fully arrived or completed their training; it is an ever-evolving journey of becoming more like the Master. The sole qualification to embark on this path is the revelation that Jesus is Lord. Once this foundational belief is established, the call is to take up one’s cross and actively become who Jesus is calling one to be.

While the invitation to discipleship is freely given, it is imperative to recognize that the cost of truly following Jesus is significant. This is a vital aspect that needs to be clearly communicated, especially to younger generations. Being a devoted follower of the Master will invariably require sacrifice and commitment in various aspects of life. It might involve the loss of certain friendships, a shift in one’s reputation as perceived by the world, or even financial implications when choosing to align with righteous principles over worldly gains. Jesus, in His teachings, emphasizes that one cannot attempt to integrate Him into a pre-existing life on one’s own terms. Instead, the call is to embrace a new life centered around following Him wholeheartedly. There is no concept of part-time discipleship; it demands a complete and unwavering commitment. The frustration that some believers experience may stem from not fully embracing this comprehensive nature of discipleship. It requires a conscious decision to bear the cost and actively pursue the path laid out by Jesus, fueled by the personal revelation of who He is. There is no middle ground or passive involvement in discipleship; it necessitates being fully “in” and devoted.

Drawing from the Apostle Paul’s instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter 2, three key rhythms of discipleship are highlighted: devotion, discipline, and diligence. Paul uses the analogies of a devoted soldier, a disciplined athlete, and a diligent farmer to illustrate the characteristics of a follower of Jesus. Devotion signifies a commitment to adoration and worship, showing up for Jesus with the same regularity and dedication that a soldier shows for formation. Just as basic training is essential for a soldier to learn the ways of military life, new Christians need to be taught what it means to follow the Lord. This involves guidance and correction, helping them understand the implications of their new life in Christ and the behaviors that are no longer congruent with it. The aim of a devoted soldier is to please the one who enlisted him, which for a disciple means prioritizing what pleases Jesus and not getting entangled in worldly pursuits that distract from this primary goal. This requires actively following His words, instructions, and commands, as an expression of love and obedience.

The second rhythm, discipline, is likened to a disciplined athlete who competes according to the rules to win. In the context of discipleship, there are rules and principles to adhere to. Just as an athlete trains rigorously and follows the regulations of their sport, a disciple must cultivate self-discipline to live in accordance with God’s commands and the teachings of Jesus. This involves intentional effort and commitment to spiritual growth and character development. The third rhythm is diligence, compared to a hardworking farmer who expects to have the first share of the crops. Diligence in discipleship implies perseverance, consistent effort, and a willingness to work hard in one’s faith journey. It speaks to the ongoing nature of discipleship, where continuous effort is required to grow and bear fruit. Paul encourages reflection on these principles, assuring that God will grant understanding in all things. These three rhythms—devotion, discipline, and diligence—form the basic training for discipleship, guiding believers into a deeper and more effective walk with Christ.

Quote: “no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God”

Key Scriptures

Luke 9:57-62: This passage illustrates the urgency and commitment required to follow Jesus, emphasizing that there should be no looking back or prioritizing worldly obligations over the call to proclaim the kingdom of God. View NIV version
2 Timothy 2:1-7: Paul encourages Timothy to be strengthened by grace, to entrust the teachings to faithful individuals, and to share in suffering like a good soldier, disciplined athlete, and hardworking farmer, urging him to reflect on these principles for understanding. View NIV version
John 14:15: Jesus states that love for Him is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, highlighting the connection between love and action in following Him. View NIV version

Key Takeaways

Discipleship is a free invitation based on God’s grace, not personal merit.
Believing in Jesus is the first step, but discipleship is the active following that ensues.
There is no distinction between following Jesus and being His disciple; they are the same.
Discipleship is a continuous journey of growth, not a destination to be reached.
The cost of discipleship is significant and requires wholehearted commitment.
Trying to fit Jesus into an old life is contrary to the call to embrace a new life in Him.
There is no such thing as part-time or passive discipleship; it demands being fully “in.”
Devotion, discipline, and diligence are essential rhythms in the basic training of discipleship.
A disciple’s aim should be to please Jesus, much like a soldier pleases their commanding officer.
Love for Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His commands.

Questions To Consider

In what areas of your life are you trying to fit Jesus in, rather than fully following Him?
What “civilian pursuits” might be entangling you and hindering your devotion to Christ?
How are you actively practicing devotion, discipline, and diligence in your walk with God?
What significant costs have you experienced or are you willing to bear in your journey of discipleship?
Reflecting on the analogies of a soldier, athlete, and farmer, which aspect of discipleship do you find most challenging and why?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the free invitation to follow Your Son, Jesus. I acknowledge that my initial belief and acceptance of Him was an act of Your grace, and I desire to move beyond simply being a believer to becoming a true disciple. Help me to recognize any areas where I am trying to fit Jesus into my life on my own terms, and grant me the courage to fully embrace the new life You offer. Strengthen me to bear the costs of discipleship, knowing that the reward of following You is far greater than any earthly loss. Instill in me the rhythms of devotion, discipline, and diligence, that I may serve You wholeheartedly, compete according to Your rules, and diligently work in Your kingdom. May my aim always be to please You, and may my love for Jesus be evident in my obedience to His commands. Guide me, Lord, to grow deeper in my discipleship, becoming more like Christ each day and impacting the world around me for Your glory. Amen.

Action Steps

1: Reflect on the Call

Task 1: Review the Invitation

Step 1: Read Luke 9:57-62 again, focusing on the directness of Jesus’ call to follow.
Step 2: Consider what might be holding you back from a complete “yes” to this invitation.
Step 3: Journal any thoughts or hesitations about fully committing to discipleship.

Task 2: Assess Your Priorities

Step 1: Make a list of your current top priorities in life (e.g., family, career, hobbies, spiritual growth).
Step 2: Evaluate where Jesus and your commitment to following Him rank on this list.
Step 3: Identify any areas where worldly pursuits might be overshadowing your spiritual focus.

2: Embrace Basic Training

Task 1: Cultivate Devotion

Step 1: Set a consistent time each day for prayer and Bible reading.
Step 2: Find resources (books, podcasts, online teachings) that help deepen your understanding of Jesus’ life and teachings.
Step 3: Actively participate in church services and fellowship opportunities to learn from others and grow in your faith.

Task 2: Practice Discipline

Step 1: Identify one area of your life where you need to develop more self-control in alignment with biblical principles.
Step 2: Set a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goal for growth in this area.
Step 3: Regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed, seeking accountability from a trusted friend or mentor.

Task 3: Pursue Diligence

Step 1: Reflect on your spiritual gifts and how you can use them to serve God and others.
Step 2: Identify one practical way you can actively contribute to the work of God’s kingdom in your local church or community.
Step 3: Commit to consistent involvement in this area, demonstrating perseverance and a willingness to work hard.

3: Live Out Obedience

Task 1: Study Jesus’ Commands

Step 1: Read through the Gospels, specifically noting the direct commands and teachings of Jesus.
Step 2: Choose one command that resonates with you or challenges you and spend time reflecting on its meaning and application in your life.
Step 3: Brainstorm practical ways you can actively obey this command in the coming week.

Task 2: Seek Accountability

Step 1: Identify a mature Christian friend or mentor whom you trust.
Step 2: Share with them your commitment to growing in discipleship and ask them to hold you accountable in specific areas.
Step 3: Regularly check in with them to discuss your progress and challenges.

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Conclusion

The essence of this message lies in understanding that while the invitation to follow Jesus is freely extended through grace, the journey of discipleship demands a significant and wholehearted commitment. It’s not merely about believing; it’s about actively following, characterized by devotion, discipline, and diligence. Like a soldier dedicated to their duty, an athlete striving by the rules, and a farmer diligently working the land, a disciple of Jesus must prioritize Him above worldly entanglements, cultivate self-control, and persevere in their faith. The cost of discipleship is real, potentially impacting relationships, reputation, and worldly gains, yet the reward is a deeper relationship with Christ and a more impactful role in His kingdom. Embracing this “basic training” is crucial for believers to move beyond passive faith into an active and transformative journey of becoming more like their Master, demonstrating their love through obedience and impacting the world around them.

Test Your Understanding

Discipleship comes as a ________ invitation.
There is no ________ basis for a distinct follower of Jesus who is not a disciple.
Discipleship is something we ________ in, not something we graduate from.
The three rhythms of discipleship are devotion, ________, and diligence.
Love for Jesus is shown by keeping His ________.

Solution:

free
scriptural
grow
discipline
commandments

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